Steve's breakdown: These bills will create a new tourism district and expand horse racing betting options. Both will have marketing budgets!

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: Gov. Chris Christie said Monday night he will sign an Atlantic City rescue package on Tuesday morning to help save the nation's second-largest gambling market from its four-year decline.

The governor plans to sign bills creating a state-supervised tourism district with enhanced police patrols and sanitation, and a multi-million dollar industry-funded marketing campaign to promote the resort. He also will sign a bill to relieve the city's 11 casinos of some regulations.

The bills are designed to help Atlantic City recover some of the market share and revenue it has been steadily losing since late 2006 when the first of many neighboring slots parlors opened in the Philadelphia suburbs. Since then, Atlantic City has lost nearly a third of its business, plunging from $5.2 billion in casino revenue in 2006 to $3.6 billion last year.

Several casino executives contacted Monday night declined comment, saying they did not want to upstage the governor. But the industry has supported the measures.

Word that Christie plans to sign the package came on the same day he signed two bills into law expanding the options for horse racing bets in the Garden State.

One sets up exchange wagering, a form of betting popular in Europe in which two or more people place directly opposing wagers on the outcome of a horse race. Exchange wagering allows a bettor to wager on a selected outcome occurring, and another bettor to wager on that same outcome not occurring.

Another bill allows tracks to provide for a single pool for each running or harness horse race. These larger pools would be capable of handling a greater variety of wagers than current pools.

Christie said the bills will help ensure "a strong, independent, self-sufficient horse racing industry in New Jersey."

"We are providing new tools to help the industry implement new strategies, generate additional revenue and capitalize on interest in horse racing around the state," the governor said. "Along with our ongoing efforts to transform racing at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park through private management, these measures will place horse racing on a path to economic stability and sustainability without public subsidy that New Jersey taxpayers can simply no longer afford."

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=12805150

Steve's breakdown: Fergason, a former Yahoo!, MLB Executive, will lead marketing strategy, help publishers and marketers benefit from the value of sharing. Think about everything you're doing on the web and then connect them!

PALO ALTO, CA: Today, ShareThis, the world's largest market for sharing and influence on the Web, announced the expansion of its executive team with the appointment of Chief Marketing Officer Kristen Fergason. Fergason brings more than 15 years of marketing experience from leading interactive and entertainment brands, including Yahoo!, Maven Networks, Inc. and Major League Baseball Advanced Media.

In addition to hiring Fergason, ShareThis also named Julie Greenhouse SVP Ad Sales & Business Development, and Ben Slutter Vice President of Revenue and Ad Operations. Both were with the company previously.

With a reach of more than 400 million users across nearly 1 million websites, ShareThis is changing the way information is navigated based on how people interact and relate to each other online. ShareThis allows users to share content from anywhere to anyone, while simultaneously enabling publishers and advertisers to understand and tap into the value of sharing in order to better reach and address their consumers through its social advertising platform AudienceShare.

During the past year, ShareThis released a collection of products for each of its primary audiences, aimed at increasing ease of sharing for consumers while also allowing publishers to take advantage of cutting edge sharing technologies. New launches included consumer products such as the ShareThis Stream, publisher tools including the Trending Content widget, the Influence Insights analytics platform and new sharing buttons.

A seasoned marketing expert, Fergason will enhance the company's industry influence by leading ShareThis' overall marketing strategy and execution.

"I couldn't be joining ShareThis at a better time. The company is growing exponentially, there's an exceptional team in place and we're committed to leading this new sharing economy," said Fergason. "ShareThis is firmly planted at the intersection of social interaction and online economics, so there's an enormous opportunity to build awareness and success in the market."

In addition to some of her more traditional duties as Chief Marketing Officer, Fergason will also be taking the lead on various initiatives surrounding data usage and control, working closely with leading Industry associations such as the IAB to help publishers and advertisers better navigate privacy issues confronting the ecosystem.

Prior to joining ShareThis, Fergason held executive roles in marketing and business development at leading digital consumer companies, including the leadership of business-to-business marketing and industry outreach at Yahoo! Before that position, Fergason was Vice President of Marketing at Maven Networks, Inc., where she directed marketing efforts, including marketing, public relations, brand vision, marketing strategy and market development. She was also a member of the Major League Baseball Advanced Media executive team for six years, serving as Vice President of Marketing.

About ShareThis
ShareThis is the world's largest market for sharing and influence on the web. With more than 400 million users across nearly 1 million websites, ShareThis is changing the way information is navigated and organized based on how people interact and relate to each other online. ShareThis allows users to share content from anywhere to anyone, while simultaneously enabling publishers and advertisers to tap into the value of sharing and better address their consumers. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., with offices in New York and Cincinnati, the company is privately held with funding from Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Blue Chip Venture Company, DFJ Mercury, Reservoir Partners, Illinois Ventures, Queen City Angels and RPM Ventures.

http://www.sys-con.com/node/1695734

Steve's breakdown: This article does not say who's handling the account so it might be worth a phone call.

WILDWOOD, NJ: Jersey Shore businesses and municipal leaders are heralding the state's plan to restore a national spring-summer tourism marketing campaign they say is critical to a successful season.

The Christie administration last spring eliminated funding for the Garden State's multimillion-dollar radio, television, newspaper, and Internet pitch to potential visitors.

The Division of Travel and Tourism will announce in March the launch of a multimedia campaign, Shawn Crisafulli, a Department of State spokesman, confirmed last week.

Details of the effort, including its cost and theme, will be revealed at the three-day Governor's Conference on Tourism to begin March 23 in Atlantic City, Crisafulli said.

"We're enthusiastic about the campaign," said Crisafulli, adding that the state would also introduce a vacation guide that highlights attractions throughout New Jersey.

That was welcome news to members of the travel and leisure industry in Cape May County, which last year generated $16 billion - or 41 percent - of the state's tourism revenue. The region's revenue ranks second only to Atlantic City among Garden State destinations.

The $38 billion vacation industry is the second- or third-largest economic sector in New Jersey, depending on the year, and accounts for about a half-million jobs. Cape May County, which attracts 50 million visitors annually, employs about 35,000 people a year in tourism.

The lack of a big marketing campaign last year to entice visitors stung John Siciliano, executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.

Every time he saw a TV commercial for Ocean City, Md., or Virginia Beach, Va., "it just drove me nuts," Siciliano said. "When you have a bad economy to begin with, you don't back away from spending money to promote one of your top industries. It made no sense to us."

To help Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest rebound from 2009, when tourism spending bottomed out, Siciliano's agency spent more than $1.5 million on advertising - several hundred thousands of dollars more than it did the previous year.

Its cheeky campaign slogan apparently struck a chord with vacation bargain-hunters. "Are You Free This Summer? The Wildwoods Are" reminded travelers that the Wildwoods, unlike most other resorts in the county, do not charge beach-tag fees and offer a multitude of free summer events.

According to the authority, the Wildwoods' tourism tax revenue from last January to November was $3.7 million, about 6 percent more than in all of 2009.

The three towns levy a 2 percent tax on lodging, meals, and beverages, and keep the revenue. An additional 7 percent sales tax and a 5 percent hotel-motel room occupancy tax go to the state.

Without a state-funded marketing campaign, towns on the southern end of New Jersey's 127-mile coast worked "a little closer" with one another last year, said Diane F. Wieland, director of the Cape May County Tourism Department.

"In areas where you saw a redoubled effort, like in the Wildwoods, or Ocean City, or Cape May, you saw improved numbers for the season," Wieland said. "But you can never underestimate what a large role the weather plays, and it was also a perfect summer for us weather-wise."

Her department is gearing up for the season by hosting exhibits at East Coast travel trade shows, handing out brochures, and encouraging visitors to begin making reservations, Wieland said.

The state marketing campaign will "enhance" local efforts and cast a wider net for tourists such as Canadians, who Wieland said tend to stay longer. With regional visitors making shorter jaunts because of the economy, Canadians have helped fill hotel rooms midweek, she said.

Rising gas prices - AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts a gallon will hover around $3.50, but other analysts have speculated it could reach $5 - also tend to help the Shore, Wieland said.

That's when people decide to stay closer to home - good news for vacation destinations near the populous Philadelphia and New York metro areas, she said.

"From what we've seen, people are very interested in planning their summer vacations early. We don't know if it's the snowy, cold winter or what that has people wanting to think summer, but they seem very enthusiastic," Wieland said.

Joseph Simonetta, executive director of the New Jersey Travel Industry Association, is bullish about the summer season.

"We're looking at an uptick in the economy, enhancements to attractions in New Jersey, and an improvement in destination-marketing efforts by the state with the support of the Christie administration," Simonetta said. The season "looks bright to us."

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20110130_Shore_leaders_cheer_return_of_a_tourism_marketing_campaign.html

Steve's breakdown: 30 years of Disney experience is coming to the Canyons. 

PARK CITY, UT: Talisker, parent company of Canyons Resort, recently announced the appointment of Linda Warren as chief marketing officer of Talisker. According to a press release, Warren spent over 30 years with the Walt Disney Company, where most recently she served as the executive vice president of products and services for the Disney Parks and Resorts. Prior to that, the majority of her Disney career was in parks and resorts marketing where she was executive vice president of marketing for 10 years.

http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_17230227

Steve's breakdown: Martin Williams has the account now featuring the "Save Now, Feel Good" campaign. It's nothing special and should be updated.

TOPEKA, KS: US footwear retailer Payless ShoeSource has promoted Vincent DeSantis to senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Payless.

He will report to LuAnn Via, chief executive officer of Payless.

DeSantis will be responsible for all marketing and branding initiatives for the retailer, and oversee the development and growth of Payless' brand portfolio, which includes Airwalk, Champion, Dexter, American Eagle for Payless and Above the Rim.

"Vincent's leadership and strategic insights over the past three years – particularly as we have developed best-in-class customer insights and successfully moved into new marketing channels such as mobile commerce and social media – have demonstrated that it's time to expand his leadership role to help take Payless to the next level," said Via. 

"We are thrilled to have him serve in this new role and look forward to his valuable contributions as we continue to forge strong emotional connections and build effective brand and marketing programs that connect Payless with customers around the world."

DeSantis joined Payless in 2008 where he served first as vice president, consumer and brand marketing and was later promoted to divisional senior vice president of marketing.

http://www.just-style.com/news/payless-promotes-desantis-to-chief-marketing-officer_id110150.aspx

Steve breakdown: Make no mistake, this is a southern local account but with great growth potential. Love beer, bourbon and speak with a drawl and you might have a chance. (I know because I went to school in Lexington!)

LEXINGTON, KY: Alltech announced Thursday it plans to triple the output of its Lexington brewery as a vast increase in distribution is slated for its Kentucky Ale family of beers.

This month, the company announced it had received an order for 40 cases of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale from China, where it introduced the drink to the Beijing Horse Association. The company also has struck deals to begin distributing the family of beers in Indiana and Massachusetts.

Other states in which the beers will soon be sold include Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The tripling of output at the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. downtown will be done with the existing infrastructure with one exception: cold storage. The Bourbon Barrel Ale process, in which the beer is placed into used bourbon barrels, takes six weeks, said Kelly Rice, director of business and marketing development for Alltech's beverage division. In order to boost production, the company plans to add off-site cold storage in the short term and potentially expand the brewery to include more space later. Rice is one of nine employees Alltech has moved from other divisions to focus on beverages. She said she expects the company to hire more salespeople in coming months.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/01/28/1614017/alltech-tripling-brewery-operations.html

Steve's breakdown: Though these folks have not done much advertising, this purchase could shake things up. Plus there's always money for social media.

NEW YORK, NY: A local, young organic snack food company now has the backing of a confectionery giant.

Bazooka Candy Brands, the confectionery division of the New York-based Topps Co. Inc., said Thursday that it has acquired the Sharkies Organic Fruit Chews business of Sharkies Inc. in Auburn. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bazooka said the transaction will enable it to offer a snack made with natural ingredients and enhance its extensive candy/snack/gum portfolio.

Sharkies Inc. was founded in 2003 by Dwight and Kelly Sinclair, triathletes with three children. The Sinclairs said they developed their all-natural snack with active families in mind.

They came up with Sharkies, a fruit-flavored snack product in the shape of a shark. Sharkies contain no wheat, gluten or gelatin, but have carbohydrates and natural electrolytes from the fruit juice and rice used to make them.

Today, Sharkies are sold in retail stores nationwide, typically in aisles containing organic, nutritional snacks.

"We're thrilled to be working with Bazooka Candy Brands, a company with a long tradition of developing iconic brands," said Dwight Sinclair, CEO of Sharkies Inc. "We believe that by leveraging their marketing and distribution strength, we'll be better able to achieve our goal of making Sharkies a leading natural organic fruit snack brand."

"Bazooka Candy Brands has recognized the shift in consumers' attitudes towards health and wellness and is changing with the times to meet their evolving needs," said Mike Brandstaedter, general manager of Bazooka, which produces such well-known candy products as Ring Pop, Push Pop and Bazooka bubble gum.

Topps said it will work to grow the Sharkies brand via its global channels.

"Sharkies, though a young company, has already achieved a devout following among consumers, and we are excited to add the brand to our growing roster and dive into the organic foods market," said Ryan O'Hara, CEO of Topps, founded in 1938.

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/28/3358691/bazooka-candy-buys-auburn-based.html

Steve's breakdown: This is an ex-Leo Burnett guy so who knows if there's going to be any movement but it's worth sniffing around. BTW: The Ratti Report scooped The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, AdWeek & AdAge on this one!! Where are you getting your new business news from?

OAK BROOK, IL: McDonald’s Corp. has named Kevin Newell executive vice president and global chief brand officer. He was previously senior vice president and restaurant support officer for McDonald’s USA, West Division.

Newell, 53, begins in his new position Feb. 1 and will report to Don Thompson, president and chief operating officer.

In his role Newell, will oversee marketing, menu innovation, and consumer insights among other things. Newell also will provide strategic input on Corporate Social Responsibility and Restaurant Architecture.

“Kevin brings a winning combination of talent and knowledge to his new role,” Thompson said in a statement. “He has a solid background in marketing, brand building and operations which McDonald’s has benefited from for more than 20 years. He understands how to connect with our customers in compelling and relevant ways.”

Newell replaces President Steve Easterbrook, who is now president, McDonald’s Europe. Easterbrook, who was in the role for less than a year. Easterbrook replaced longtime global chief marketing officer Mary Dillon, who is now CEO of Chicago-based United States Cellular Corp.

Newell has held a variety of positions, both in advertising and operations. He previously worked at Leo Burnett USA and Black Entertainment Television. At McDonald’s, he has served as field manager in the international marketing department and marketing division officer for the central U.S. division.

http://chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2011/01/mcdonalds-names-new-global-brand-officer.html

Steve's breakdown: Jockey has a better brand than the company leads one to believe. They need an agency to get them to pull up their jockstrap and get to work.

KENOSHA, WI: Jockey International Inc. has hired Dustin Cohn as its new chief marketing officer. He previously held the same position at Chicago-based Optimer Brands.

“Dustin brings an impressive array of branding and marketing experience to this position,” commented Jockey COO Ed Emma. “We welcome his demonstrated success with other iconic brands, and his experience will be a great asset as we continue to focus on the future of our company and the Jockey brand, incorporating a consistent, disciplined and innovative approach to marketing.”

Privately held Jockey International was founded in 1876. The Wisconsin-based company markets underwear, socks, loungewear, activewear and other categories for men and women under the Jockley brand.

http://www.mrketplace.com/12165/jockey-names-dustin-cohn-chief-marketing-officer/

Steve's breakdown: This hotel executive knows how to get heads-in-beds but he'll need help with everything else in SC. BTW: Google up the 2008 "South Caroline is So Gay" campaign that ran in London!

CHARLESTON, NC: The state’s new top tourism official is a longtime Charleston hotel executive.

Duane Parrish has been tapped by Gov. Nikki Haley to lead the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, according to an announcement today from the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Haley’s office had not yet posted any notice of Parrish’s appointment on its website Thursday morning.

Parrish is 25-year veteran of the tourism industry. The University of South Carolina business school graduate is president of Premier Hospitality Group, a hotel development and management firm he founded in 2000.

Previously, he held management positions with several major lodging companies, including Promus, Holiday Inn and Ramada. He has opened, operated or renovated 19 properties ranging from a 32-room independent inn to the 260-room Francis Marion Hotel.

“Duane brings an enviable skill set to the director’s office,” said Roger Warren, chairman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s board of governors and president of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. “Not only does he have a strong development and management background, he also understands the numerous challenges facing PRT and our destination marketing organizations. Duane fully comprehends the importance of tourism to South Carolina, and the need for the public and private sectors to work together to move our economy forward.”

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/jan/27/charleston-hotel-executive-run-state-tourism-effor/

Steve's breakdown: These two are relatively small accounts but if you have an office in town, either one could be fun.

Edinburgh Twestival seeks PR agency support

The Edinburgh Twestival is seeking a PR agency for media support ahead of this year’s event.

The Twestival is aiming to raise the profile of this year’s event and is looking to work with a PR agency which will provide press and media services, helping with the creating and distribution of on and offline promotional material, while also aiming to broaden its reach and identify with key audiences who engage with social media, but are currently out-with the Edinburgh Twestival community.

http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2011/01/25/17939-edinburgh-twestival-seeks-pr-agency-support/

Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau seeks PR agency 

Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) is seeking to appointed a public relations agency to support its internal communications department. The tourism bureau will appoint an agency to a retainer contract and make them responsible with the implementation of the PR activities determined by the BVCB annual business plans.

Commencing in May, the successful agency will annually deliver PR activities to promotion Belfast, including press, radio and TV interviews which will deliver key messages and stories across all main markets on both a corporate and destination basis. They will also be tasked with undertaking an ongoing programme of identifying key Belfast, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great British media which would profile Belfast and build the contact database for sustained communication.

http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2011/01/27/18029-belfast-visitor-and-convention-bureau-seeks-pr-agency/

Steve's breakdown: These guys are going to have to go head-to-head with LinkedIn and I think they are going down. But if they have the money to try, I'd pitch the business.

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobfox, one of the nation's fastest-growing online job sites, announced today that experienced digital marcom executive Dan Kimball has joined the Jobfox team as Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Kimball will develop and implement outreach strategies designed to position Jobfox as the leading social recruitment and career networking engine on the web.

Kimball is a versatile marketing executive with more than a decade of experience leading and developing successful marketing programs that drive brand value, product adoption and high-margin revenue. Specializing in multi-channel marketing program development, interactive marketing, product development and sales management, Kimball has proven to be an innovative leader at a number of Fortune 500 companies, mid-size and startup firms.

"We are on the cusp of transforming the way companies recruit talent in the social space," said Robert McGovern, Chairman and CEO of Jobfox. "Dan's deep experience in digital marketing and brand building will be instrumental in expanding awareness about Jobfox to both recruiters and job seekers.  Over the next couple of months, our focus will be on bringing to market new products that enable companies to leverage social recruiting like never before, and also to drive a high volume of qualified job seekers to our website where they can network with companies they want to work for.  Dan will be instrumental in those efforts."

Prior to joining Jobfox, Kimball served as Vice President of Marketing at CoStar Group, the leading commercial real estate information company in the U.S. and UK, where he was a leader in the launch of Showcase.com, the most successfully product launch in the company's 20-year history. Before CoStar, Kimball headed up online marketing and ecommerce at various financial services companies, including Capital One. Previously, he was a partner at Questus, a leading independent digital marketing agency, where he managed highly successful online marketing initiatives for numerous B2B and B2C clients, including Suzuki, Capital One, Shutterfly.com and NTT/Verio.

About Jobfox

Jobfox is the largest online network of matchable professionals, connecting thousands of employers with the most qualified individuals among millions throughout the Jobfox Network. Through Jobfox's comprehensive skills-based matching system, Jobfox is able to pinpoint the most qualified candidates to employers, and in turn, the most relevant job opportunities to professionals throughout the Jobfox Network who are open to learning about new career opportunities.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dan-kimball-joins-jobfox-as-chief-marketing-officer-114715044.html

Steve's breakdown: The idea of luxury phones is very interesting but these folks seem to be bouncing this account around more than usual. Approach with caution.

ESPOO, Finland: Vertu, the luxury mobile handset brand owned by Nokia, is seeking an agency to handle a global advertising project. 

The company has contacted a number of agencies to request initial information, with a pitch process expected to be held later this year.

It is thought that the successful agency will be responsible for handling a global integrated campaign to support the launch of a new handset.

In the past, Vertu has used a number of agencies to develop its campaigns, including DHM, Black Sun and Dave. MediaCom handles the brand's media planning and buying activity.

Launched in 2000, Vertu's luxury mobile phone handsets are sold in jewellery shops and department stores across almost 50 countries.

Vertu's most recent campaign, created by DHM, launched at the end of 2009 in key global markets and featured the actress Michelle Yeoh and motorsport boss Jean Todt, using the strapline: "Life beautifully arranged."

http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1051759/Vertu-seeks-shop-global-ad-task/

Steve's breakdown: With AAR running this review, it's just another reminder to make sure your materials are up to date at their offices. Otherwise - you ain't getting in.

SOUTHAMPTON, UK: The cruise line operator will kick off the review in three months' time in a pitch process to be handled by the AAR.

P&O will continue to work with Dare until the review process, led by Philip Price, the head of brand marketing for P&O Cruises, begins.

Helen Calcraft, the Dare executive chairman, said: "After some productive and honest discussions, Dare and P&O Cruises have agreed that our priorities going forward are different and therefore it is time to part company. We will always be extremely grateful for what was a fantastic 10 year journey and we wish Philip and his team all the best".

P&O first appointed Dare, then MCBD, to the business in March 2001, after a three-way shoot-out with Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO and Publicis. MCBD then retained the business in 2008, after a pitch against The Red Brick Road, TBWA\London and Adam & Eve.

Dare created a TV campaign for P&O earlier this month called "Explorers". The ad aims to celebrate the wonder of travel and introduces the strapline "Discover a different world".

http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1051698/P-O-launches-7m-creative-review/

Steve's breakdown: Here's an up and coming regional player bringing in a young gun to handle marketing & advertising.

ANN ARBOR, MI: Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Richter to Chief Marketing Officer. Richter brings more than 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry, and has played an instrumental role in the company’s rapid sales expansion over the past 5 years.

“Rick will absolutely thrive in this role on our executive team,” said CEO Dan Milstein. “He has a great record of establishing long lasting relationships with our clients with a keen focus on customer satisfaction. He is the perfect choice for this newly expanded position.”

Richter was recently recognized as one of the Top 40 Most Under 40 in the mortgage industry by National Mortgage Professional Magazine and has been counted among the Top 100 mortgage originators nationally for several years. Well versed in all areas of financial lending, he has originated almost $500 million in loans during his time at Gold Star.

“Gold Star is well on its way to becoming a household name, and I am excited to help the company continue to bring great products to our clients nationwide,” said Richter.

In addition to his new role, Richter will continue to oversee the national sales team, as well as advertising, promotions, and new business development as Gold Star grows its national footprint in new geographic markets.

ABOUT GOLD STAR FINANCIAL

Gold Star lays claim to a first-rate reputation as a full service, cutting-edge firm. The mortgage lending division, the largest and oldest part of Gold Star, has originated billions of dollars throughout its storied history. Its 350 employees across 18 nationwide branch offices serve tens of thousands of clients in over 20 states. The company has been recognized for two consecutive years as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies in America by Inc. Magazine. In addition, the Detroit Free Press has named Gold Star a Top Workplace for the second year in a row according to their statewide survey.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110126006550/en/Gold-Stars-Rick-Richter-Named-Companys-Chief

Steve's breakdown: Though this may be an interim thing and they say he's not a candidate for this job, my "spidy senses" say Philip will end up here permanently.

Audi  UK has appointed a new interim Head of Marketing, starting immediately, to take over from Peter Duffy, who leaves the company in the next few weeks.

Philip Olden, a premium brands expert who has held a number of senior marketing roles across a range of prestige and luxury international brands, joins the marketing team at the Audi UK Headquarters. He is currently working alongside Peter, who will hand over his responsibilities before leaving the company during February.

Philip is reporting directly to Jeremy Hicks, Director of Audi UK, who comments: "Audi is a very fast-growing brand in the UK and we need the very best staff in each specialist field to drive this success. We have decided to take our time to secure our long term replacement for Peter Duffy, who has had a tremendous impact on our communications standards over the last three years.

"We are very fortunate to have the considerable expertise of Philip Olden with us for as long as it takes to identify our permanent candidate and we shall be taking full advantage of his prestige brand skills during the time he is here."

Audi is the sales leader in Western Europe, posting in excess of one million sales worldwide in 2010, close to 100,000 of which found UK owners last year. Its prestige image ratings and sophisticated communications campaigns have marked out the Vorsprung durch Technik brand in the UK.

Here's another article about it:

http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1051446/Audi-appoints-Olden-interim-marketing-head/

Steve's breakdown: Here's one for all you social media agencies out there. I've even given you the contact's email at the bottom!

CULVER CITY, CA: Red Bull Recordshas announced Joe Guzik has joined the music company as SVP/Promotion & Integrated Marketing. In addition to spearheading the label’s airplay and media strategies, GUZIK will incorporate multi-platform media programs to maximize artist development.

GUZIK was most recently VP/Alternative & Rock Promotion at Columbia Records, where he spent 10 years. Prior to working at Sony Music, GUZIK was Sr. National Promotion at ROADRUNNER RECORDS.

GUZIK can be reached at joe.guzik@redbullrecords.com.

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/86389/joe-guzik-named-svp-promotion-integrated-marketing

Steve's breakdown: Prudential Retirement delivers retirement plan solutions for public, private and non-profit organizations and they spend a lot of money marketing it. So let's see if she up for a change.

NEWARK, NJ: Prudential announced today that Kara Segreto has been named Chief Marketing Officer for Prudential Retirement. In this role, Segreto will oversee the development and execution of Prudential Retirement’s marketing programs that support the organization’s overall strategy and plans for its defined contribution, defined benefit, stable value, retirement income, retirement plan strategies, pension risk transfer, and non-qualified benefits lines of business.

Segreto will be responsible for teams that develop and deliver: marketing, brand, and promotional strategies and campaigns in support of Prudential Retirement’s business initiatives; marketing and participant communications and educations programs for clients and intermediaries; market research and competitive intelligence; and e-commerce strategies and tools for general market outreach and for plan sponsors, participants, and intermediaries.

During her career with Prudential, Segreto has held a number of marketing positions specializing in project management, product positioning, program strategy, and communications development. Prior to that, Segreto led Prudential Retirement’s Integrated Marketing & Strategy and was director of Participant Programs, among other leadership roles.

Segreto earned a BA in English Literature from Haverford College and an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Business. She serves on Xerox'sDigital Client Advisory Board, the CMO New York Executive Board, the CMO Council, and the National Association of Female Executives. She holds FINRA Series 6, 26 and 63 licenses.

Prudential Retirement delivers retirement plan solutions for public, private and non-profit organizations. Services include state-of-the-art record keeping, administrative services, investment management, comprehensive employee investment education and communications, and trustee services. With over 85 years of retirement experience, Prudential Retirement helps meet the needs of nearly 3.7 million participants and annuitants. Prudential Retirement has $194.3 billion in retirement account values as of September 30, 2010.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. Non-deposit investment products are not FDIC insured. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century.

http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=244678

Steve's breakdown: Roger is a serious BtoB marketing pro. IBM & Xerox are both on his resume so expect him to expect a lot.

NORTHAMPTON, UK: Barclaycard has announced the appointment of a new marketing director for its Global Business Solutions division.

Richard Wergen will assume the role as the firm seeks to improve its offering to businesses in a bid to boost its enterprise market share.

Formerly of IBM and Xerox, Mr Wergen has more than 15 years of business-to-business marketing experience behind him.

He will take on responsibilities for all strategic marketing to Barclaycard's business customers across the world.

Jeff Dye, chief executive officer of Barclaycard Global Business Solutions, said: "This appointment marks an important step in the development of Barclaycard Global Business Solutions.

"Richard's background and experience will be vital in determining the offering we make to businesses, of all shapes and sizes, and ultimately in helping us to achieve our ambition to be one of the leading business payments providers in the world."

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